A/N Hello everyone, I hope that everyone who celebrates it, had a nice Thanksgiving holiday. this chapter was intended to be released last month, however with the Thanksgiving holiday, along with this chapter being pretty challenging to make it took longer. I also went a little longer on this chapter. Now this chapter is part one to Nicholas and Will's origins. This chapter is Nicholas's part of the story. Keep in mind, narration lines are Nicholas's words he's telling to his audience. With that being said, enjoy!
A Tall Tale to Tell, Part 1
Nicholas was sitting in the living room chair with Agnes and Loud parents giving him their full attention.
Nicholas said to Mr and Mrs Loud. "I believe Will is starting to tell your kids what's happened. I can start. It all started many years ago in college."
Many years ago, a young Nicholas Clements looked fresh, fit, and thin. Only hair present on his body was his curly brown hair that hadn't grown past his shoulder. He was rushing down the halls of his university. Pushing past everyone in a frantic rush.
Nicholas began the story. "I turned eighteen a few months ago, I wanted to work as fast as possible. My dad, Will's grandfather, taught me that the most difficult jobs are the ones that pay the best. I didn't have the proper knowledge to use money to make money. I went from place to place mostly at road work or construction sites and just badgered the people there if I could do anything for them. Many said no but a couple of sites admired my desire and saw something in me, but probably admired me for my tall stature. Unfortunately there was little I could legally do, but I didn't complain. Saving for college quickly was my goal. I knew that once I could get a proper degree, I could go farther in such work."
Nicholas pushed through the classroom door, huffing and was out of breath.
"Glad you could join us at the last minute Mr. Clements." The older professor addressed him. The other students laughed lightly but it didn't bother Nicholas at all.
"Sorry, big campus." Nicholas sighed as he worked his way to his seat. He sat his books on his desk and took out his notebook and pencil. He was catching his breath, panting hard after such a frantic rush.
"Very well." The professor said as he began the lecture. He was only two minutes in when the door opened again.
"Sorry, is this mathematics 099?" A female voice asked. Everyone looked at the door and most of the people, especially most of the guys, blushed as they saw a beautiful young lady. She had light brown hair that was very long. The beauty in her green eyes was enhanced with a light layer of mascara. She has on an aqua colored shirt with slim blue jeans. She was beautifully slender and nothing to say about her waist and-
"Nicholas!" Agnes cut him off in an annoyed voice hearing the description of this lady, especially since he was going a little too far.
"Sorry." Nicholas chuckled.
"Ah yes, you're the new student." The Professor said as he took his attendance sheet. "Jennifer Frost right?"
"Yes sir!" The lady responded.
"Please take a seat wherever there's an opening." The profession replied. Jennifer looked around for a seat. Nicholas swore that she seemed to move in slow motion hearing beautiful music. Most of the students were quick to move aside to make room or shove the person next to them out of their chairs in the hope she'll sit next to them. Jennifer was aware of what's going on and didn't fall for it. She saw the seat next to Nicholas. He was blushing like the other guys but he was too out of breath to move aside or try to convince her to sit next to him.
Luckily he didn't need to.
"Seeing how you seem to be the only normal one here." Jennifer said to Nicholas with a small smile. "I'll take my seat here." She took her seat next to Nicholas and took out her books and focused on the lecture. Nicholas kept looking at the professor, but his focus was disturbed as he kept looking at Jennifer.
"I can't deny, I also saw the absolute vision of beauty in her like everyone else in the room that day. I should've considered myself lucky she considered me normal enough to sit next to. That was because I was too out of breath getting to class on time to try too hard to impress her. Of course introducing myself is the first step and that's about half the battle."
As Nicholas kept shifting his eyes towards Jennifer she caught it.
"Is something wrong?" She asked in a rather irritated voice.
"Of course I had to get it together. It's obvious she knows how pretty she is and she doesn't appear to like the attention she gets."
Nicholas was trying to save himself from the awkwardness. "Sorry I was looking at…..the clock! Yeah!"
"Right." Jennifer answered, rolling her eyes, clearly not buying it. The room's clock was in Jennifer's direction so it could be true if Nicholas wanted it to be.
Nicholas refocused on the lecture and continued to jot down notes. He noticed that Jennifer kept raising her hand asking the professor to repeat what he said or try to clarify it better. Before she could do it again Nicholas cut her off.
"I can explain it if you want." He offered. Jennifer thought for a moment but accepted, she was feeling a little bad for interrupting the class more than anyone else. "Ok so here's what you do."
This continued for the rest of the day until the lecture was dismissed. Jennifer collected her things as well as Nicholas.
"Look, um. Thanks." Jennifer said a little begrudgingly. "I'm pretty good at math but not this advanced stuff, I wasn't that great at algebra in high school."
"Anytime." Nicholas said he finally worked up the courage to introduce himself. "I'm Nicholas Clements."
"Jennifer Frost." She replied. Nicholas blushed deeper as he worked up more courage to ask her to do something, anything to meet her outside class.
"Hey um, if you need more help with homework, or understanding this stuff. We can meet up in the Library and study."
Jennifer raised her eyebrows to Nicholas. She knows he's interested in her and this invitation could be sincere. She paused as she looked him up and down. Taking in his muscular frame and very tall stature, she only is up to his chest in height. She finally gave him an answer.
"No thank you." Nicholas's head collapsed as he was just shot down. Jennifer giggled at Nicholas's defeated look However she quickly added something. "However, I'll sit next to you again in the next class. See you Nicholas Clements." Jennifer rushed out the door with her bags over her shoulder. Nicholas picked his head up and his confidence was partially restored.
"I understood that I at the very least had a chance. I couldn't say I was in love with her, we just met, but I really wanted to get to know her."
"She sounds kind of hard. Like she's very much 'no nonsense.'" Mr. Loud said. "I know you just started but it does seem strange that this lady is Will's mother."
Mrs. Loud chimed in. "I don't know, I kind of know what she's thinking when a bunch of guys have their eyes on you. She just met you and you're kind of making it obvious that you're interested in her."
"I get it." Nicholas said to both Mr and Mrs. Loud. "I mean she's not great at algebra, but she's a very intelligent lady. Perhaps that's one quality I like."
"Oh Nicholas." Agnes giggled at the obvious nod to her smarts.
This routine continued for a while until the semester was close to the end. Nicholas, seeing Jennifer on a daily basis as well as helping her understand the lectures, helped Nicholas gain more confidence to talk casually with Jennifer. At the end of another lecture, Nicholas and Jennifer were ready to leave.
"The final is next week." Nicholas said.
"Yeah, I'm quite nervous about this." Jennifer said.
"I'm sure you'll do fine." Nicholas said to her with a smile. Jennifer looked at Nichola's smile and started to think thoughts.
She said in her head. "He is kind. He has helped me so far. I'd probably be lost if it weren't for him. I guess for a giant, he is kinda cute."
"Hey, is the invitation to study still open?" Jennifer blushed only a little compared to when they first met. Nicholas nodded. The two walked towards the Library together. Along the way they started talking more about each other. Finally the two were starting to get to know each other. Jennifer was learning about Nicholas.
She asked. "So you were born in Kansas? But You're coming to college here in Wisconsin?"
"Yeah, I need to get a degree so I can go further in my jobs." Nicholas answered.
Jennifer giggled. "And you just badgered construction and road work sites until one decided to give you a job? I'm surprised you didn't get the cops called on you for harassing them."
"A couple threatened to, if I'm gonna be honest with you." Nicholas laughed. "I knew I really needed to work physically hard jobs to make a lot of money fast. So I started where I knew where the difficult work was."
The conversation reversed and Nicholas was learning more about Jennifer.
"So you're from Michigan?" Nicholas asked. "Is it true they got all the factories that build all the great cars in Detroit?"
She answered. "I'm not from Detroit, I've only been there twice, only passing through. When I was in first grade, my teacher tried to convince me to try sports when I wanted to design suits for movie premiers and dresses for royal weddings."
"Really?" Nicholas said insuprise. "She was trying to get you to change your dreams?"
"I think she was projecting or something." Jennifer answered. "My daddy however encouraged me to not quit on them. My second grade teacher was the same. Complete opposite of my first grade teacher. I got a start when I designed the outfits for the school play, we were doing Cinderella."
"In second grade?" Nicholas asked, impressed. "That's gotta be a big honor for a second grader."
Jennifer explained further. "The music teacher was in charge of the theater. She was skeptical at first but, again, my second grade teacher was the one who vouched for me so I was given a chance. Oh my god! It was incredible! I designed it to be blue and sparkly just like the movie!"
Nicholas replied. "I suppose they were glad they picked you and you proved that teacher wrong huh?"
Jennifer laughed. "She quit the following school year. I'm sure I proved her wrong hahaha!"
The two arrived at the Library and the two studied for about an hour and a half. They took the studying seriously enough but that didn't stop them from sometimes taking time to get to know each other more. Jennifer looked at the clock and it was seven PM.
"I think we should call it good here. I think we covered enough to pass the final." Jennifer sighed. Nicholas decided to take a chance since it wasn't quite so late.
"Hey um…It's not so late….would you like to go grab a slice? Or a burger?" Nicholas asked shyly. Jennifer thought about it for a few seconds and Nicholas was feeling anxious for her answer.
"Sure." Jennifer answered. "Why not?" Nicholas wasn't expressing this on the outside but was cheering on the inside. They left the Library and got into Nicholas's car. A modest vehicle with a maroon paint job.
"I know a great place for us!" Nicholas said with great enthusiasm.
"That was our first date, at an Italian pizzeria. We talked for at least two more hours. I learned about her being an only child while I had my sister and the snob of a boyfriend she has. I learned more about what she wants out of life and she learned what I want out of life. She said she wants to make art through clothing. She said making people's dreams come to life with unbelievable clothes makes people happy which is what she wants to do. I tell her I just hope to be the best husband and father like mine was. We both smiled and said each other's dreams are nice and noble."
Once they finished eating they returned to the campus and they were ready to separate and return to their dorms once they got to the quad of the campus. They paused.
"Tonight was fun." Jennifer said. "So you got Geometry next semester?"
"Yeah." Nicholas said. "Ironically that is a math I'm kind of weak in."
Jennifer smiled. "In that case. I guess I'll have to help you with your homework." The two laughed and then paused again as the two smiled at each other. There seemed to be some kind of loving tension in the air as they said nothing but a smile to each other. Until Nicholas broke the silence.
"I'll see you later Ms. Frost." Nicholas playfully said in a gentlemanly tone.
"You as well Mr. Clements." Jennifer replied in the same accent. The two bowed to each other and finally went their separate ways.
"She got an eighty nine on her final. I got a eighty seven, she was very thankful for helping me and she promised to help me do the same next semester with Geometry. We started to get much closer at this time. It was clear that something was growing between us but at this time we could say we were both friends."
Months later Jennifer and Nicholas were sitting at a booth inside a 1950's style burger diner. They were both enjoying their own milkshakes. Nicholas was enjoying a vanilla flavored one while Jennifer was enjoying a chocolate one.
"So who was he?" Nicholas probed Jennifer with a smile on his face.
"My first crush?" Jennifer asked in confirmation. "An athlete named Travis. Basketball was his sport."
"He sounds fascinating." Nicholas said as he listened intently to her story.
Jennifer continued. "We met in second grade. We've gone to the same school together until graduation. I'm not sure what he's doing now though. I think he went into special training and I decided to go to college. Now what about you? Any old crushes you once had?"
Nicholas blushed. "There was one in junior high. I asked her to the dance, but I was so nervous and uncoordinated that I knocked her into the other dancers, making her topple over other people. She was so embarrassed she told me to stay away from her."
"That's rough." Jennifer giggled. Nicholas chuckled with her.
Nicholas joked. "I bet if I had a child, heck if you did too, dancing would probably be their weakest activity." Jennifer only smiled and shrugged in response.
Jennifer changed the subject. "To be honest I surprised someone as giant as you wasn't in any sports. I bet coaches would've been ecstatic to sign you up."
Nicholas shrugged. "Some were. However my heart just wasn't into the world of constant after school traveling, and training, let alone being seen as a hero when the team wins, or an oaf when the team loses."
"I can see that there is a lot of pressure." Jennifer sighed in realization.
"I only want to be seen as a hero to the people in my life that matter most to me." Nicholas said. Jennifer started blushing when she heard that and felt something on her hand. She noticed that Nicholas unknowingly placed his hand on hers. There was another seemingly romantic silence between the two as they looked into each other's eyes. Jennifer didn't pull her hand away from Nicholas's.
"It was at this time when I was getting comfortable with my feelings for her. While she never said anything, I had a strong feeling that perhaps she might have felt something for me as well. I managed to pass Geometry thanks to her. According to her, her love of fashion allows her to learn all about making proper measurements. Afterwards we never had another class together but we were close friends enough to where we hung out together outside of class often."
It was the Thanksgiving holiday and Nicholas and Jennifer decided to go see each other's families over the two holidays. Jennifer decided to go with Nicholas to see his parents and his sister for this holiday. Jennifer was bundled up in a yellow jacket as the weather was sunny but chilly at Nicholas's birth state of Kansas. Everyone was eating the feast outside on a wooden picnic table. Nicholas's father was a rancher and they were all eating in an open area under a tree and near the house.
Nicholas's father was a middle aged looking man dressed in a country man's suit and tie. He shared Nicholas's dark brown hair, only his was straight and sleek.
Nicholas's mother was taller than her husband, and her age was also showing with small wrinkles on the cheeks and crows feet. She wore dark colored pants and a white shirt under a plaid vest. Her hair was curly like Nicholas's and was blonde, however due to her age, the color was starting to fade.
Nicholas's sister Anna was there too, dressed in a white shirt, under a red coat that looked like it was made from expensive material. Her pants were black khakis. The look Will would best know her with.
"Never knew you were raised in such a beautiful place." Jennifer asked as she took in the wide countryside.
"It's great when you need to get away from the fast pace of urban life." Mr. Clements chuckled in his south western accent. His voice is a little light but quite heavy.
"So Anna, where's that boyfriend of yours?" Mrs. Clements asked her daughter. Her voice was a much sweeter sounding one but didn't have an accent. Anna sweated and thought up an excuse.
"Um….. he had to…..uh." Anna stammered. "We agreed you'd meet him later." Not telling them that her boyfriend thinks country life is dirty.
"That's a shame." Mr. Clements said as he took a bite of turkey. "Nicholas got himself a real doll here." Mr. Clements teased Nicholas while winking at him and Jennifer. Jennifer blushed but she was also a little irritated at being called, 'doll.'
"No! Nonono!" Nicholas interrupted, chuckling nervously. "We're just friends."
"Are you sure hun?" Mrs. Clements said. "I mean did you bring her here to meet us?"
Jennifer interjected. "Well, he's my first friend at College and we've hung out and studied a lot. We told a lot about ourselves to each other. So we decided to meet each other's families." Anna had to tease her brother, as siblings tend to do.
"Nick here says he's never met a more smart and beautiful angel before!" Anna announced. "Are you sure you're not together?" Nicholas and Jennifer blushed and looked at each other.
"We're sure." Nicholas answered. Mr. and Mrs. Clements laughed because they could sense the uncertainty.
"So Jennifer." Mrs. Clements said to her. "Nicholas said you want to be a fashion designer? Jennifer smiled at Nicholas who looked away. I sewed a few sweaters and dresses before. Never made a career outta it."
"Once I finish up my classes I should be able to land an internship before graduating." Jennifer answered. Jennifer and Mrs. Celments talked to each other as Mr. Clements leaned towards Nicholas and whispered to him.
"She's a good lady son. Don't let her go. If you put her down someone else will come and pick her up."
Nicholas didn't respond with words to his father's advice. He simply nodded to him.
The evening came as Nicholas and Jennifer were getting ready to leave. Nicholas hugged his parents and told them he won't be around for Christmas because he's going to meet Jennifer's parents. The inside of the house had all the modern conveniences, like television and cd players, but the appearance was quite rustic.
"Sad, you won't be here but it's good to meet the other parents." Anna said.
"You show them that you can take care of her ok son?" Mrs. Clements caused Nicholas and Jennifer to blush again.
"Well whatever relationship you two claim to have." Mr. Clements said "You're a nice lady Jennifer, it was an honor to meet you."
"Thank you all. You're all wonderful people." Jennifer smiled at Nicholas's family. Nicholas hugged his parents and his sister and the two 'friends' left. On the car ride home they had a small conversation.
"Do you really like my family?" Nicholas asked. "They seem to like you."
"Absolutely." Jennifer answered. "They're really nice. Although I am curious about something. Did you really talk about me to them?"
Nicholas simply blushed in response to that.
The next month passed and it was Christmas, Nicholas was with Jennifer's parents in a modest suburban home. They all sat in the living room surrounded by the coffee table. On it was a plate of Christmas themed cookies and cups of hot chocolate. Mr. Frost was a tall thin man dressed in a Christmas sweater. He was almost as tall as Nicholas, just short about five inches. He had a pair of thin glasses and a thin layer of hair, his head looked as if it's almost shaved. Mrs. Frost had the same hair color as Jennifer. She was shorter than everyone else in the room. Her hair was straightened down towards her hips. Jennifer sipped on the hot chocolate with a smile on her face. Nicholas was looking scared as he was receiving sharp stares from Jennifer's parents.
"I was terrified. It was clear that they cared very much for their daughter. They didn't look too kindly on a guy that must clearly be interested in dating their little girl. As far as I knew, as far as anyone knew we were there as friends. It was like earlier when we went to my family's for Thanksgiving, only there's much more tension in the air."
"So you two met at math class?" Mrs. Frost asked, not breaking her stare at Nicholas.
"Yes, I never would've passed without him." Jennifer answered in a happy tone.
"How considerate of you." Mr. Frost said to Nicholas. His tone was a little sincere but it was mostly threatening. "I suppose you can be counted on to look out for our little Jennifer?"
"I'm sure you have big career aspirations, don't you?" Mrs. Frost said in an almost interrogating manner.
"Mom, Dad please!" Jennifer scolded. "We're just friends! However Mr. and Mrs. Frost didn't respond to that."
The oven 'dinged' and Mrs. Frost went to check on the Christmas duck. She asked Jennifer to come with her to help with the vegetable sides. Nicholas was nervous to be alone with Jennifer's father. Mr. Frost furrowed his eyebrows at Nicholas who sweated in response.
"What my wife asks is a great question." Mr Frost interrogated. "How do you plan to support my daughter? She deserves the best guy to watch and take care of her and keep her happy. Always!"
"Sir. With all respect she said we're just friends!" Nicholas objected in a nervous tone.
"I heard what she said." Mr. Frost countered. "I see how she acts around you, not how she looks at you, but how she acts.I know my daughter."
Nicholas stammered. "I don't….."
Mr. Frost explained. "She looks at you like a normal guy, but she acts so comfortable around you. You spent quite some time together. There was only one other guy she was so normal around ever since late junior high." Nicholas started to think about this, he knows this 'other guy' is this Travis fellow.
"Well…." Nicholas nervously started to explain his future aspirations to him, the same ones he explained to Jennifer some time ago. Mr. Frost's expression changed to a much softer one as he started to understand Nicholas. However his stare still showed that he wasn't completely 'warmed up' to him.
"I can see you're a future oriented person." Mr. Frost said. "That's good. You seem to be smart, and understanding that you need to take big risks to get far ahead in life."
"Uh…thanks?" Nicholas answered, listening to Mr. Frost's analysis of him.
The celebration ended that night, and just before Nicholas and Jennifer left Mr and Mrs. Frost grabbed Nicholas's arm before he could follow Jennifer to the car.
"You may have what it takes to be good enough for our little girl." Mr. Frost admitted.
"Be warned, you hurt her, you'll be very sorry indeed." Mrs. Frost warned him.
"Even upset her. You'll regret it." Mr. Frost added. Nicholas could only gulp and nodded.
Jennifer was driving this time and Nicholas seemed shaken up. Jennifer knew exactly what it was about.
"They certainly care about you." Nicholas remarked.
"Yeah, sometimes too much." Jennifer said. "I mean, they clearly don't buy that we're just friends. Although the truth is, you're the first guy I ever brought home."
"Really?" Nicholas said in disbelief. His shaking stopped as he understood why he would probably get the most scrutiny.
"Luckily they softened up greatly once Will was born. They were so happy to be grandparents. However, things were really starting to change around Valentine's day. I felt like it was the perfect day to finally tell her a little of my feelings, at least get my foot in the door you know?"
Nicholas was sweating a little as he stood in the open college field near the football field. Nicholas held a bouquet of purple flowers. His hands were a mess, many bandages covered them. He was dressed a little nicer. Dress pants and black shoes, but with a black colored formal coat over his usual maroon shirt.
"Nick!" Jennifer called. Nicholas saw her approaching. She was dressed in a dress suit that had patterns of blue and green. Nicholas blushed at her beauty.
"She shortened her name for me. She called me Nick now, showing how close we were. For what I was about to do I wanted to make it unforgettable, so I asked her to a calm secluded place. I didn't want to do this infront of everyone."
"Why did you call me out here?" She asked. "You said we were gonna go to a movie. You said dress nicely and here I am….what's with the flowers? What happened to your hands?"
"Jennifer. It's the most loving day of the year." Nicholas said his voice cracked a little but he cleared his throat. "I spent the last two days searching where I could pick these in the wild. Digging them up one by one wasn't easy. Holding a shovel and playing in the dirt for hours isn't something my hands aren't built for, at least not yet."
"You didn't have to do that." Jennifer said. Butterflies were in her stomach, she knew what was coming she was nervous to hear it. "I mean why not just buy some?"
"It wouldn't have meant as much if I didn't put in the work." Nicholas answered. He handed Jennifer the flowers. She had a pink tint on her cheeks and she sniffed them and admired the purple color.
"Lilacs." Jennifer said. "You know what these symbolize?" Nicholas shook his head no. "You got deep purple ones. That usually means young love."
Nicholas froze and scratched the back of his head nervously saying nothing.
"I actually sort of lied. I did know what those flowers meant. That's why I picked those specifically."
"Nicholas….is there something you wanna say?" Jennifer asked in a gentle tone. Nicholas finally stopped scratching his head and looked at Jennifer in the eyes.
"Ummmm….Jennifer. I um…" Nicholas struggled to get the words out. "I uh, I like you."
"I wanted to say more. I decided to leave it as just 'like' her. I was scared, scared that my words would scare her."
Jennifer paused but it didn't last long for her. She smiled but her light blush didn't leave.
"It's ok Nick, I 'like' you too." She said softly.
"Really?" Nicholas asked, his face stunned with surprise.
"You're so silly when you get all excited like that! It's really cute!" Jennifer giggled.
"I just…I mean, you're beautiful and….I um." Nicholas awkwardly tried to explain himself.
Jennifer raised her hand which silenced Nicholas. "I understand. You're different from other guys who try to date me the second I appear."
Nicholas smiled and took one of the flowers and gently placed it into her hair. Nicholas blushed as he looked at how beautiful the lavender flower looked in Jennifer's hair.
Jennifer playfully asked. "So are we gonna go out? Or stand near the football field all night? It's not the most ideal date if you ask me." Nicholas rolled his eyes, but still had a smile on his face. He took Jennifer's hand and the two walked down the hallway together.
We did go to a musical movie that she was interested in. That night, the movie wasn't the one thing I wanted to do. I just had to take her to the movie because I didn't want to seem like I was lying to her. Afterwards though I had to take her to where I really wanted to take her.
In the middle of the field. There was the flower bed of Lilacs, some brown patches were in distant areas where it was evident where Nicholas was digging earlier. The sun was down and the stars were out. The car was parked at the side of the road several feet away.
"So the botany teacher helped you find this place?" Jennifer asked. "It's very beautiful."
"Yeah." Nicholas sighed. "I wanted to express my thoughts in a meaningful way. I didn't know where to find any flowers so I gave the botany professor some 'incentive' to tell me where I could find any." Nicholas did the 'money' motion with his fingers.
"So you did have to use money." Jennifer teased. Nicholas only rolled his eyes again. There was a silence between the two as Jennifer and Nicholas and Jennifer Looked at the flowers and the starry sky. They looked back to each other and smiled. Then as if Nicholas's dreams become reality, in fact. It seemed as if there was imaginary romantic music in the air around them. The two slowly leaned inwards towards each other. Then they slowly closed their eyes and finally kissed.
"We may have already said we 'liked' each other, but this non verbal meeting solidified that we both had feelings for each other. Ever since then we were a couple, boyfriend and girlfriend. When we walked together we held hands. We sometimes shared a kiss when we meeted, when we parted, or when we ate meals. The young love we shared was very strong. Although for me. I was so sure about us. The day after graduation, which was at least two years later, I decided to take the next step forward."
It was the Graduation party at a country club that saw both Nicholas and Jennifer's families together. Interestingly both the families got along very well. Both families were dressed up, but not formally, the attire was at the sweet spot between nice and casual.
The party was being held inside the Ball Room, everyone was dressed formally enjoying beverages and a huge cake. The table was in between two large tables that had more smaller foods on it.
Nicholas and Jennifer were talking as they held their newly acquired degrees, rolled up in their hands.
"We did it. We finished college." Jennifer said as she leaned her head on Nicholas's shoulder. This affectionate display earned Nicholas a glare from Jennifer's father. This caused him to smile nervously.
"Turns out Jennifer's father was right. We were just friends when I met her parents. Now, I am officially dating his daughter."
"Absolutely." Nicholas said to Jennifer. "In fact, now that we're finished with school. There's something I want to ask you. Especially since our families are together."
Jennifer looked at Nicholas with excitement. He took a drink glass and tapped it with a coin he took out of his pocket to get everyone's attention. Nicholas spoke broadly so everyone could hear him.
"Everyone, thank you for congratulating us!" Nicholas announced. "Thank you everyone for supporting us not just in our schooling, but in our relationship as well." Nicholas and Jennifer smiled sweetly at each other. "Now it's time to build our lives together. There is something I gotta ask." Nicholas turned his attention to Jennifer, who was feeling butterflies in her stomach at this point because she had a good idea of what Nicholas was about to ask. She tried to shut her mind off so she could stay in the moment and enjoy it, she was completely failing of course.
Nicholas lifted Jennifer up onto her feet. Nicholas held her close and said in a gentle voice. The families had to lean in to hear what was being said.
Nicholas began. "Jennifer Frost. I love you, and I feel so certain about us, especially that we managed to pass our classes together. Even though that was a brief time, we were there for each other making sure we got through it all. So I believe there's no one else I can imagine spending my life with and having a family with. I begin by promising you that I can make sure you can accomplish your dreams, and I never go back on my word."
Jennifer was having small tears well in her eyes. The sweet words she was hearing was uplifting her soul.
Nicholas gave a subtle nod to Jennifer's parents when he said that. They both nodded back in agreement. It was at this time Nicholas dropped to one knee. Both families cooed and leaned inwards in anticipation.
"Jennifer Frost, will you marry me?" Nicholas proposed. Everyone watching was holding their breath in suspense. Jennifer looked at Nicholas's family then to her parents. Her face held a smile, but it seemed to fade as she seemed to hesitate. She looked at Nicholas and sighed. Her smile instantly returned.
"I didn't have a ring yet I wasn't certain if she'd say yes. I got one very quickly the next day."
"Yes!" She answered. Both the families roared in cheers and applause as Nicholas shot back up to his feet with incredible speed and instantly hugged Jennifer tightly. She returned the hug and rested her head on Nicholas's chest.
"Way to go brother!" Anna cheered.
"To me that was the scariest thing I ever did. I was so relieved when she said yes. I was so happy now that I found my soulmate. It was many months when we finally got to the ceremony."
Nicholas was standing in a church at the altar in a black tuxedo. Anna was dressed in a lavender bridesmaids outfit. She stood opposite Nicholas, as she was one of the ladies selected to be one bridesmaid along with two other ladies that Jennifer was friends with from College. Nicholas didn't know them. A distant male relative of Nicholas was standing at his side as his best man.
"The lead up was really hard, as wedding planning usually is. The tailor for my suit had to make a completely new outfit from scratch since he had none in my large size. Anna agreed to be Jennifer's bridesmaid, even though her college friends filled out the rest of the roles, she wasn't really close with them. A cousin of mine was my best man, just like with Jennifer's college friends, I wasn't really close with this cousin. In fact, Will never met him. To my surprise, Jennifer said she herself wanted to make her dress. She said it would be a good way to test her skills at clothes designing."
Nicholas stood nervously. Nicholas looked at the smiling pastor, then to his parents who were holding hands and smiling at their son, crying silently with pride. The bridal march began on the church organ. Everyone turned to the entrance as Jennifer appeared at the end of the walkway with her father linked with her left arm and the bouquet in her other arm. Everyone gasped at how beautiful Jennifer looked. Her dress was pure white silk and shines with a pure luster. Big white puffs were sown onto her shoulders as the traditional veil was over her face. Once Jennifer made it to the Altar, Mr. Frost handed his daughter to Nicholas. Once the song stopped the soon to be couple whispered to each other.
"What do you think?" Jennifer whispered. "I worked so hard on the dress."
"You look perfect." Nicholas answered. "I promise, as long as we're together, I will do all I can to help you accomplish your dream."
"Thanks, but what about your dream?" Jennifer asked.
"I'm already starting it." Nicholas answered. The two gave their attention to the pastor as he began to recite the ceremony.
"Dearly beloved, we're gathered here today….."
"It was the best day of my life. My second best day was soon approaching but first it needed to be official."
The pastor then asked the most important questions to Nicholas and Jennifer.
"Nicholas Henri Celements, do you vow to take Jennifer Daryl Frost, to be your wife, to love and cherish, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health till death to you part?"
"I do." Nicholas said softly, looking into Jennifer's eyes.
The pastor asked the same question to Jennifer.
"I do." She answered with the same softness.
"Then by the power vested in me, I hereby pronounce you man and wife. Nicholas, you may kiss the bride."
Nicholas lifted the veil over Jennifer's head and then they kissed. Warm emotions swelled within the newlywed couple as the church erupted with applause and the wedding march.
"The rest of the day was just as beautiful. Anna was the lucky one to catch the bouquet. I never believed in the superstition of who marries next, coincidentally. The next wedding I was at was my own sister's. We moved into an apartment in Wisconsin to begin our lives. As for the honeymoon we spent it at a cool cabin at a peak in the Rockies. That night…"
"AHEM!" Agnes interrupted in an angry voice. Nicholas's face was beet red as he just realized where this story was going.
"Sorry." Nicholas apologized. Mr and Mrs. Loud's faces were beet red as well.
"Just quit there while you're ahead." Agnes warned. Nicholas nodded and skipped ahead in the story.
"It was at least two months at the start of our new lives as I started a job doing electrical work at construction sites. Jennifer was doing retail at clothing stores, she said it's the best way to start in the fashion world. However on the weekend she came up to me with a unsure look on her face. The news would change our lives forever."
Nicholas was cleaning dishes and putting them away as Jennifer was standing at his left side looking uncertain, even very scared.
"What's the matter?" Nicholas asked as he dried his hands and gave her his undivided attention.
"There's something you need to know." Jennifer said softly. Her voice even sounded soft and terrified. "I've been feeling a little sick and really tired at strange times lately."
"What's wrong? Need a doctor?" Nicholas asked with concern in his voice.
"No, um…..I already had a test taken." Jennifer said with tears in her eyes. She couldn't say what the problem was, she simply took Nicholas's hand and placed it on her belly. Nicholas's eyes widened as he instantly figured it out.
"Oh hun, That's wonderful." Nicholas said softly. His voice was shaking. The two were on the same emotional wavelength now. Nicholas was feeling the same things his wife is now.
"Is it?" Jennifer asked for reassurance. Nicholas nodded as his soft smile grew a little bigger.
"I told you I don't plan on breaking my word to help you fulfill your dreams." Nicholas said his promise to her. "Now they just include a special bundle of joy, that will be the best of both me and you!"
Jennifer started to relax as the two looked at her midsection happily, their new baby will be here and they will officially be a family.
"Our first child together. We're gonna be parents. I'll be a father, she'll be a mother. Hopefully this kid will be the first of a bunch. Jennifer's pregnancy had its ups and downs, but that's all to be expected, it's only natural. However the end of the nine month period came. We were at the hospital awaiting the arrival of our child."
Jennifer and Nicholas were holding hands. Jennifer was breathing as she was far into the process of bringing her baby into the world. She was in her green hospital gown as the doctor was giving Jennifer his instructions. Jennifer was roaring, screaming, and shouting all sorts of angry things at Nicholas. He didn't pay much mind to it.
"GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! I HATE YOU! NICK! I HATE YOU!"
The doctor instructed. "Ok Mrs. Clements, almost there, one more push!" With a final cry. The room was filled with the cries of a tiny infant. The little baby was held up by the doctor and the nurse cleaned the child and wrapped it in a cloth.
"Congratulations you two!" The doctor said happily. "Your first kid!" Nicholas and Jennifer looked at the baby with incredible feelings of immediate devotion and love. Jennifer was panting, catching her breath and recovering. Both Nicholas and Jennifer had tears running down their faces seeing the life they created. The nurse placed the baby into Jennifer's arms. Jennifer sniffed as she started to cry softly. Nicholas choked a little, the two cried together as Jennifer gently hushed the baby to help it stop crying.
Jennifer and Nicholas leaned in as Jennifer checked the baby closely.
"It's a boy!" She announced as best she could. Her voice was a little tired and hoarse sounding after working so hard.
"He's the most beautiful person I've ever seen." Nicholas sniffed.
"He very much is." Jennifer agreed. "Though if he's a girl I already had a name in mind if he was."
Nicholas chuckled softly at Jennifer's small joke. "What did you have in mind?"
"Willow." Jennifer answered. Nicholas chuckled again.
He responded. "You know for this special little guy, the other version is just as good a name." Jennifer and Nicholas paused as she thought for a moment.
"You're absolutely right." Jennifer sighed as the two looked lovingly at their child as they said the first ever words he'd ever heard spoken directly to him.
"Welcome to the world, our beautiful son." Jennifer said.
"We're your mommy and daddy." Nicholas added. "Your name is William Christopher Clements."
A/N That is it for part 1 of this origin story. What did you think of it? Please let me know your thoughts in a PM or a Review. Especially for this chapter, your feedback is greatly appreciated. Now as you read this I am working on the next chapter which I hope to get out by Christmas. You should know that the next chapter isn't part 2 of this origin story, but the episode 11 Louds A Leapn'. Until next time, see you soon!